Unlocking the nutritional profile of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L) kernel as a valuable by-product for future exploration

This review comprehended the nutritional composition, polyphenolic content, and debittering processes applicable to apricot kernels with a special focus on identifying areas for future research and commercial application. Apricot kernels are a rich source of high-quality proteins, unsaturated fatty...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Pravin Ojha, Tang Xia, Zhou Liangfu, Sheng Qinghai, Bimal Chitrakar, Roman Karki, Tan Jianxin, Liu Jielin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-06-01
Series:Future Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666833525000942
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This review comprehended the nutritional composition, polyphenolic content, and debittering processes applicable to apricot kernels with a special focus on identifying areas for future research and commercial application. Apricot kernels are a rich source of high-quality proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibre, minerals, and bioactive compounds. However, the amygdalin content at a dose of 0.5–3.5 mg/kg body weight presents toxicity risks by inactivating the respiratory cytochrome oxidase enzyme. Amygdalin is high in bitter variety, and requires reduction to safe levels. While numerous validated debittering methods are available, many are associated with losses of beneficial phytochemicals, necessitating further exploration into more efficient and gentle processes. With appropriate processing techniques, apricot kernels hold considerable promise as a valuable ingredient for food and nutraceuticals. This review highlighted key areas for future research, including novel debittering technologies and commercial exploration of apricot kernels for novel and healthy product formulations. This includes modifying proteins for industrial raw materials, developing novel food products by exploring extrusion technology, and creating healthy product formulations by integrating biopeptides and polyphenols.
ISSN:2666-8335